Educational Opportunities Educational resources for OPERS retirees
In-Person Events
OPERS seminars are in-person events led by trained OPERS professionals. They take place at various locations in Ohio.
Registration is required, and the address of the venue will be sent to you after you register.
Seminar: Retirement Security with OPERS Leadership
This spring OPERS leaders will travel to Ohio cities to provide an overview of your retirement system. You’ll hear the latest on OPERS’ investment returns, understand the current state of pension and health care funding and receive an update on any legislation that could affect the retirement system. OPERS leaders will also share some helpful information regarding HRA reimbursements, the best ways to contact OPERS and the continuous effort to protect your personal information online.
This is your opportunity to hear the most current, accurate information directly from your retirement system. You’ll leave reminded that at OPERS, your retirement security is our top priority.
Seminars are scheduled in the following cities. If a morning session fills up at a particular location, we have the option to add an afternoon session.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Apr. 9 | 10:00 a.m. | Independence |
| Apr. 14 | 10:00 a.m. | Boardman |
| Apr. 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Columbus |
| Apr. 21 | 10:00 a.m. | Findlay |
| Apr. 23 | 10:00 a.m. | Mentor |
Seminar: Understanding Your OPERS HRA
Eligible retirees receive a monthly deposit into their Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). This opportunity is intended to help Pre-Medicare and Medicare retirees feel more comfortable using their HRA. If you struggle with understanding what an HRA is or how to receive reimbursements, come join us!
- Presentation – You will hear a review of HRA concepts to increase your understanding of the HRA. Topics in the presentation include:
- HRA basics
- What type of expenses are eligible for reimbursement
- How to submit an expense for reimbursement
- How a friend or family member can help
- Common questions and troubleshooting tips
- Workshop – This is a hands-on group workshop in which you will walk through the step-by-step process to download the Via Benefits mobile app, create an online Via Benefits account, and learn how to submit an expense!
IMPORTANT: To get the most out of the workshop, be sure to bring your smart phone and/or your laptop computer.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 8 | 2:00 p.m. | Lima |
| May 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Zanesville |
| Jun. 3 | 2:00 p.m. | Avon |
| Jun. 17 | 2:00 p.m. | Newark |
Seminar: Pre-Medicare Retirees – Aging Into Medicare
Are you confused about Medicare? There are a lot of moving parts, and as your trusted partner, OPERS would like to help you understand your options!
This interactive seminar is intended for Retirees who will turn age 65 in the next 15 months.
Topics include:
- The different parts of Medicare – Parts A, B, C, D
- How Medicare coordinates with individual Medicare plans
- How Medicare works and the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap / Medicare Supplement plans
- When to enroll in Medicare and how Via Benefits will help you with the enrollment process
- What OPERS and Via Benefits communications are coming your way
- The Medicare Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) – a monthly deposit that will offset your medical expenses
- What resources are available to assist you
Several OPERS staff will be on-hand to make sure that all of your questions are answered!
If you qualified for early Medicare prior to age 65, please contact OPERS at 1-800-222-7377.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 6 | 2:00 p.m. | Grove City |
| May 22 | 2:00 p.m. | Akron |
| May 29 | 2:00 p.m. | West Chester |
| Jun. 5 | 2:00 p.m. | Canton |
| Jun. 24 | 2:00 p.m. | Chilicothe |
You can register for OPERS seminars in two different ways:
Online Account
You can register online with your Online Account. Once logged in click on “Tools and Resources” and then on “Seminars and Counseling” to select a seminar.
Phone
You can also register for a seminar by calling OPERS at 1-800-222-7377
Live Webinars
Webinar: Understanding Your HRA
Is a webinar more convenient for you?
OPERS also offers Understanding Your OPERS HRA as a webinar. The information provided is similar to the in-person seminar without the workshop component.
Webinar: Pre-Medicare Retirees: Aging Into Medicare
Are you confused about Medicare? There are a lot of moving parts, and as your trusted partner, OPERS would like to help you understand your options!
This interactive webinar is intended for Retirees who will turn age 65 in the next 15 months.
Topics include:
- The different parts of Medicare – Parts A, B, C, D
- How Medicare coordinates with individual Medicare plans
- How Medicare works and the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap / Medicare Supplement plans
- When to enroll in Medicare and how Via Benefits will help you with the enrollment process
- What OPERS and Via Benefits communications are coming your way
- The Medicare Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) – a monthly deposit that will offset your medical expenses
- What resources are available to assist you
If you qualified for early Medicare prior to age 65, please contact OPERS at 1-800-222-7377.
Recorded Presentations
All Retirees
- Understanding Your Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) (link open sin new tab) NEW
- A Minute with Member Services (link open sin new tab)
- Funding Pension and Health Care (link opens in new tab)
- Health Care Information for Retirees Re-employed with an OPERS-Covered Employer (link open sin new tab) NEW
- Managing Your Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with Via Benefits (link open sin new tab)
- You’re Re-employed After Retirement. What’s Next? (link open sin new tab)
- Congratulations on Your Retirement! What’s Next? (link opens in new tab)
Pre-Medicare Retirees
- Pre-Medicare Retirees: Aging Into Medicare (link opens in new tab)
- Deciding Between the OPERS HRA and a Federal Subsidy (link open sin new tab)
- Understanding Individual and Family Coverage (link open sin new tab)
- Becoming Medicare Eligible (link open sin new tab)